“Even inspired by a specific context, painting is a universal language”, says Béatrice Lampla Mellinger. Bela, as she signs her paintings, was born on the French Caribbean island of Martinique. Perhaps her singular heritage explains her use of vibrant colors in her works.

Bela’s career has been associated with the development of themes: portraits of women, seascapes, and abstract works. Currently, her permanent quest for new challenges is focused on the creation of abstract canvases.

Bela has travelled extensively, lived in many countries across several continents and believes that her paintings convey her rich experience.

She now lives in the United States.

 Awards

• First Prize in Experimental Work Category – MCAA Friendship Heights Village Center Art Show, June 2008 (USA)
• First Prize in Landscape Category – MCAA Friendship Heights Village Center Art Show, June 2007 (USA)
• First Prize – “The Arts/Mental Wellness Journal, Altered I/Altered Eye” – International Art Contest, March 2007 (USA)
• First Prize in Painting Category – Valentine’s Day Art Contest – Centre de Diffusion et d’Action Culturelle de Nice, March 2004 (FRANCE)

Exhibitions

• June 2008 – MCAA Friendship Heights Village Center Art Show (USA)
• November 2007 – First Annual International Caribbean Art Fair, New York (USA)
• June 2007 – Friendship Heights Village Center Art Show (USA)
• March 2007 – “People, Flowers and Landscapes” – Sandy Spring Museum Art Gallery (USA)
• June 2006 – MCAA Friendship Heights Village Center Art Show (USA)
• March 2004 – “Valentine’s Day” – Centre de Diffusion et d’Action Culturelle de Nice (FRANCE)